Lithospheric structural contrasts across the Caledonides of northern Britain

Interpretation of both P- and S-wave data from the 1974 LISPB seismic experiment has resulted in a detailed cross-section across the Caledonian orogenic belt of northern Britain. This section provides clear evidence of lateral variations in lithospheric structure, comparable with the gross geological variations. In particular, lithospheric structure is asymmetric across the orogenic belt: however, the axis of this asymmetry seems to vary with depth within the central part of the belt. Thus the identification of a possible lapetus suture remains moot.